Turkey Renovates Armenian Church

Number 188 | January 3, 2012

An opening ceremony was held on December 28 at the recently renovated Vordvots Vorotman Armenian Church in Istanbul, Turkey. The ceremony was conducted by Deputy Armenian Patriarch of Turkey, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan.

The renovation work of the Church, which was part of the “Istanbul: European Capital of Culture 2010” Project, roughly cost $1.5 million. 70 percent of the renovation expenses were reportedly covered by the Turkish government and 30 percent by the Armenian Church Foundation in Istanbul.

The Church is now expected to be open to regular religious services under the direction of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey. It will also serve as a cultural center.

Built in the early 19th century, the Church of Vorvotz Vorotman is one of many Christian heritage sites that Turkey has renovated in recent years.